3.0L E85 Owner | E86C Racecar Content

Following my first post, here’s my new-to-me 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i! It’s my second car and my first BMW, after previously owning a Mazda MX-5 Mk2.5. I’d love to hear about any cool quirks or “must-do” modifications these Z4s are known for.

I also forgot to mention that this Z4 will be joining its bigger brother the N52 Z4 Coupé which is owned and raced by my dad.

 
Welcome Max. Nice motor you have there. I’m sure you must have read about all the usual M54 stuff: disa, vanos seals, split inlet pipes etc.
I imagine you can get all the mechanical assistance you need from your Dad, but as I’m much closer to Norwich than he is, feel free to shout if you need anything sooner than he can help.
 
Oh there is a ton of stuff you can do, but that’s part of the joy of owning it, just do your mechanical jobs and then what is important to you some go hard on set up changes others on cosmetic stuff. But the engine is the best thing an absolute gem.. oh and the fuel gauge moves in real time definitely couldn’t be my daily driver 😊
 
They are such great looking cars. My current Mx5 is such fun to chuck around though. :driving:👍 and so much cheaper to run than my ///MR was, now I am retired. If I had space there would be an E85 in my life. Alas only a single garage at Buzy towers
 
Hi and welcome to the forum Max. :thumbsup:

Having a 3 litre Z4 at 18 is impressive, and yours looks great parked next to your Dad's Coupe!

You probably know most people ditch the run-flat tyres, and if yours is a manual get rid of the Clutch Delay Valve. I'm sure others will be along to help you spend your money. :LOL:
 
Thanks for the welcome, everyone. So far I’ve replaced the wheels with staggered 18s (225/255) and swapped the body-coloured grilles for gloss black ones. Next on the list are a clutch delay valve delete, bigger SI discs, a custom exhaust, and clear headlights.


Does anyone know whether it’s better to replace the entire headlight unit or just change the lens covers?


Thanks again!
 
Welcome Max

Great to see a young ‘un getting into proper cars!!

Is that Liams coupe in the background? If so that’s great lineage!

Enjoy your car!
 
Nice car, well done, Dad mode engaged........

Make sure it is insured properly with all mods declared,if you are found to have not declared and they cancel your insurance, it stays on your record forever (literally) and can make you uninsurable.
 
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Are the headlights halogen or xenon? Either way you are better to do a straight swap. I don’t have any but I do have a pair of clear side repeaters if you want to change those too?
 
That sure is Liams Racecar build.

All mods have been declared to my insurance company.
I would definitely be interested in some clear side repeaters given ill be changing the front headlights to clear, as the halogens are pretty sub par so will need to be upgrading to xenons when a good set comes up!
 
That sure is Liams Racecar build.

All mods have been declared to my insurance company.
I would definitely be interested in some clear side repeaters given ill be changing the front headlights to clear, as the halogens are pretty sub par so will need to be upgrading to xenons when a good set comes up!
Well I can put the indicators to one side for you, however, swapping from halogen to xenon isn't straightforward. You need to change the light control module (LCM) which will need coding to match the instrument cluster and I Believe there are wiring changes too.
@bigwinn may be able to advise on that I think.

Just in case you're misunderstanding; you can get halogen and xenon headlights in both orange and clear indicator types.
 
I also forgot to mention that this Z4 will be joining its bigger brother the N52 Z4 Coupé which is owned and raced by my dad.

Great to see you on here Max . Your dads build thread is going to take some beating ;):thumbsup:
 
Well I can put the indicators to one side for you, however, swapping from halogen to xenon isn't straightforward. You need to change the light control module (LCM) which will need coding to match the instrument cluster and I Believe there are wiring changes too.
@bigwinn may be able to advise on that I think.

Just in case you're misunderstanding; you can get halogen and xenon headlights in both orange and clear indicator types.
That sounds good with the side clear lights! Instead of swapping the whole headlight unit could i remove the headlight lense and put clear lenses on? Im not sure if this will help with changing the orange indicators or not though...
 
That sounds good with the side clear lights! Instead of swapping the whole headlight unit could i remove the headlight lense and put clear lenses on? Im not sure if this will help with changing the orange indicators or not though...
Something in the back of my mind says someone did it, but I’m not entirely sure how?
 
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